22nd March 2012
Irrespective of what the Employment Court has requested the Ports of Auckland and Maritime Union undertake as part of the continuing mediation process, exporters and importers and other customers of the Port deserve to get modern day work practices that ensure ‘our port’ is performing to the best of its potential, said Auckland Chamber head Michael Barnett.

“Based on behaviours to date this means fundamental changes are required to improve services for customers and reinforce Auckland as a credible, and reliable international port city.

The interim workforce has clearly performed to a high standard, said Mr Barnett. “They have shown a good attitude and clocked up impressive cargo discharge and loading rates that have lifted performance to the levels the Port and its customers have been looking for.

“We cannot and should not turn the clock back. We have reaffirmed from recent events, that competitive stevedoring is way of the future.

“If returning maritime workers can’t return with an equivalent attitude and matching behavior then Auckland and the rest of New Zealand will be the loser.

“A work environment in which a union can hold New Zealand to ransom no longer has any place. “The Port company has learned that it needs to lift its game to world champion levels. The Maritime Union and its members need to understand that they must too.”